In a dramatic halachic decision prompted by the ongoing war, former Rishon Letzion and nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, has ruled that weddings may be held during the Bein HaMetzarim period this year due to the extenuating circumstances facing many couples across the country.
The ruling comes in light of widespread cancellations of weddings following Home Front Command guidelines. In response to questions from rabbanim across both Sephardic and Ashkenazic communities, Rav Yosef issued a detailed halachic letter permitting — and in some cases encouraging — couples not to postpone their wedding plans during the traditionally mournful period between the 17th of Tammuz and Rosh Chodesh Av.
The letter, titled “Holding Weddings During Bein HaMetzarim, 5785,” offers critical guidance to numerous young couples whose weddings were either canceled or delayed and who now face severe difficulty finding alternative dates or venues.
Rav Yosef makes clear that for Sephardic Jews who follow the rulings of the Mechaberin Shulchan Aruch, it is fully permitted — and even a mitzvah — to marry during this time. He emphasizes that this has been the long-standing custom in Yerushalayim for generations and applies regardless of whether the chosson has already fulfilled the mitzvah of pru u’rvu.
Although the ruling is rooted in Sephardic custom, Rav Yosef addresses Ashkenazic practice as well, noting that those who typically follow the more stringent opinion of the Rama, which prohibits weddings from the 17th of Tammuz onward, should still consider being lenient this year. He writes that the logistical challenges and emotional toll of postponements could lead to serious michsholim (spiritual pitfalls) and hardship. “HaMachmir bazeh, yotzei sechoro behefsedo,” he writes — “one who is stringent in this matter will ultimately lose more than he gains.”
He supports his lenient ruling by citing several Acharonim, including the Aruch HaShulchan, who permitted weddings during this period when necessary (excluding the week of Tishah B’Av), and Rav Aryeh Leib Grossnas in Shu”t Lev Aryeh, who ruled that “in a time of need, one should permit it.” Rav Yosef adds, “There is no greater time of need than the current moment.”
The letter concludes with a heartfelt call for Klal Yisrael to strengthen their commitment to Torah and tefillah. “Eis tzarah hi l’Yaakov, u’mimenah yevashea.”

{Matzav.com Israel}